Talk

Cebuano/Bisaya is the native language used in Davao. English and Tagalog are also widely used and understood by the people.

Get in

By plane

Davao is possibly the third most important Philippine city after Manila and Cebu. Most domestic airlines fly multiple times per day to Davao from Manila and Cebu. There are also direct flights available on some Philippine cities. Davao is served by the Davao International Airport (more properly named as the Francisco Bangoy International Airport) (IATA Airport Code: DVO), which receives both local and foreign traffic to Davao. With the new terminal completed in 2003, DIA is said to be much better than its counterpart NAIA in Manila. Silk Air, the regional airline of Singapore Airlines, is currently the only international connection directly servicing Davao from Singapore. If you have Davao as your main destination in the Philippines, you might want to consider coming in through Singapore as this might be the most hassle-free way to enter. Outside of taxis, you can catch a jeepney to town center by walking to the highway (5-10min walk). Airport has a information counter (but not always staffed), have pre-paid sim card shop (access thru the departure area)

By bus

There are buses from different cities, most of which are located within Mindanao, which usually stops at Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT), and is located at Maya, Ecoland, Davao City.

Get around

Taxi

The simplest way to get around is by hopping on a taxi. A typical trip can cost about 70-95 pesos or approximately 2 U.S. dollars. Unlike Manila, drivers in Davao do not normally bargain if they notice that you are a tourist, hence the cost of the trip is the same in price as a regular. Davao Taxi Drivers are regarded as the most honest taxi drivers in the Philippines. Taxi Drivers in davao city do not charge tourists extra fare unlike their counter parts in Cebu and Manila. If you know the name of the building, establishment, area or street you wish you reach, this is still the fastest way to get to your destination. You can also call or send an SMS to the cab company directly to have a cab driver pick you up.

Taxis start their fare at Php 40.00 and will add Php 3.50 per few hundred meters. Please do say "thank you" or "salamat" once you have arrived to your destination. Davao Taxis issue fare receipts that list the name of the taxi company, the plate number, and the taxi number which could come in handy if one leaves valuable items or documents inside a cab. Just tell your taxi driver if you want to get a receipt. New to Davao is the acceptance of ATM cards in taxis. The service, however, is only available in "black" colored taxis.

Jeep

Alternatively, if you opt for more adventure, then do as the locals and catch a colorful jeepney. Simply ask around for which route to take to avoid getting lost. They are usually available 24 hours and cover most of the nooks and crannies of the city. This is the cheapest option for getting around. The usual cost for a jeepney ride is 8.00 pesos for every 3 kilometer ride, and about a 1 peso increase per kilometer when going beyond the 3 kilometers (for regular passengers).

To pay, pass your fare to the person next to you, all the way to the driver or the conductor, by saying "bayad po". Paying the exact amount is highly recommended. To stop at a certain destination, say "lugar lang", "para", or knock your coins hard on the steel handle.

Car

Another alternative ride aside from the jeepneys and taxis, is to rent a car. There are many cars for rent. If you don't know the routes you can hire drivers by asking the attendant of the rental company. Local companies tend to be cheaper than the national ones.

Bus

Buses are also available but these tend to ply exclusively along the north-south route and going out and in the city area.

Water Taxis

A new mode of transportation around Davao Gulf is through a water taxi. Water Taxis service the daily commuters and visitors of Davao City, Samal Island, and other Neighbouring Coastal Municipalities around Davao Gulf. It will get you to the island, waterfront restaurant, or beach resort you wanted with comfort and ease. The pioneer water taxi service in the Philippines is found in Davao City and has the swift, safe and secure water transport, the best and most professional skippers and has a customer friendly and positive attitude, all incorporated to make your transfer easy and pleasurable. Visit their website at www.davaowatertaxi.com [38] for more information.

Orientation

See

Mt. Apo. the highest mountain in the Philippines.

Crocodile Park, Riverfront Corporate City, Carlos P. Garcia Highway, Davao City, ☎2868883, [6]. The home of the Philippine crocodiles. This park serves as a breeding center and a great tourist attraction. There are crocodile shows and others which shows in some days. Other animals too (tiger, deer, ...). Crocodile feeding is 35p. include entrance to butterfly park (8am-5pm) and K'Mindanawan village (not real one, for tourist, fire show on fri/sat/sun 5.45pm-6.30pm)150p.

Eden Nature Park, [7]. Located about 50klms from Davao Eden Nature Park is close to the town of Toril. It's located in the mountains so it's cooler than Davao City. It has nice walks, restaurants, horse riding and a Sky-Rider thing and lots more. It's a pretty good day out and well worth the trip from Davao.

Jack's Ridge, Shrine Hills Road, Matina, Davao City, ☎2978830, [8]. This was a place where for Japanese Forces during the World War 2. It is now a tourist spot in Davao City, where you can have a scenic view of Davao City (especially during the night). There is a restaurant, a pool, bars, cottages, and a trail up and down the ridge, where you can enjoy your stay.

Philippine Eagle Center, [9]. 8AM-5PM. See the Philippine Eagle; one of the largest eagles in the world and sadly also one of the most endangered. The center is home to about 30 Philippine Eagles, aside from eagles it is also home to other birds and animals as well as raptors in a simulated forest environment.

People's Park, Legazpi Street, Davao City. A public park located along Legazpi Street. A park where people people gather around, enjoy the stroll crossing bridges, seeing man-made waterfalls, beautiful plants, and more. It is more enjoyable during the night.

San Pedro Cathedral, San Pedro Street, Davao City (town-center, most jeepney road go through, just ask), ☎2210191. This cathedral dated around the 19th century, is the city's main cathedral of Davao. It is located across the City Hall.

Shrine of the Holy Infant of Jesus (Santo Nino Shrine), Shrine Hills Road, Matina, ☎2972911. A shrine that is up a hill where there are beautiful sceneries in which you can unwind, relax, and reflect. There are mass celebrations once in a while per day. A lot of people visit this place during Sundays.

Buy

Davao City has many malls where almost all of them have cinemas, and all of them have supermarkets.

Due to security concerns, it is routine for security guards to lightly frisk people as they enter shopping malls in Davao, and indeed in most of the Philippines. The guards endeavour to be sensitive and invariably the guard is either female or there are separate lines for male and female entrants.

Eat

Davao is renowned for its durian and pomelo. Eating durian is admittedly an acquired taste but those who do end up liking it will swear that the bad smell is worth it. Pomelo on the other hand is a citrus fruit that most closely resembles a grapefruit, it is quite common in South East Asia. Beware of bringing durian inside airplanes as well as hotels and other establishments. They may have strict regulations on allowing durian inside and some may not allow durian to be brought at all.

Sea Urchin Restaurant, Mamay Road, a few meters from Damosa Gateway. A full range of Chinese cuisine. Cold cuts and soup are excellent. Try also their steamed lapu-lapu and garlic chicken. The best restaurant in the city. Call them at telephone numbers (082) 235-8603, 301-9289.

Tsuru, Legazpi Street, Davao City, ☎2210901. serves high quality Japanese dishes. They also have an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet every 15th and 30th of the month. Calling them for reservations is highly recommended.

Some Place Else, Rizal Street (Havana Compound), ☎(82) 2286304, [16]. A great place to hang out, don't forget to ask for their famous Shisha Fries.

Knight's Cafe (Red Knight Gardens), Guadalupe Village, Lanang, Davao (Near by Casino Filipino), ☎234-3408, [17]. 6:30AM to 9:30PM. Knights Cafe offers a choice of local and Western dishes at its pool side bar and restaurant. WiFi and swimming is free if you buy food/drinks. Feast of Fish&Chips to Kinilaw and from traditional English breakfast to Pizza. Good place to meet and get lots of local knowledge. Modest. (7 06 21 53,125 38 15 42)

Ellen's Tuna Queen, South Street Dbp Village, Matina, Davao City (now located at its new home a few meters from the NCCC Mall Matina Highway, From NCCC Mall along Maa road turn left to the first street corner of Dbp Village( South Street )), ☎09228147063. Mon-Sat 10:30AM-9PM. Serves the original pritong paksiw buntot ng tuna formerly at Petron Bajada, sinigang silik ng malasugui, beef calderetta, laing, kinilaw (tuna), lechon kawali and tuna sisig. Grilled steaks (lamb chops, beef prime ribs, burger steak) are also served. Try the latest Tuna Sisig na Pizza and the creamy halo-halo at its best.

Basti's Coffee, Victoria Plaza. Basti's is a cafe in Victoria Plaza, with an entrance outside as well as through the food court. They brew great coffee, and they ask you to pick between 'mild' and 'strong'. They also have pastries including an interesting durian cheesecake. Davao is a no-smoking-in-public-places city so smokers might find it useful to know that there is an enclosed and air-conditioned smoking section in Basti's.

Sleep

There is no shortage of accommodations in Davao, ranging from the four-star accommodations of the Marco Polo Davao on Claveria, the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Ponciano, the Grand Regal Hotel and Casino Filipino and the Waterfront Insular Hotel on Lanang, and the Apo View Hotel, where Casino Filipino 2 is located, to lodges and inns, all around the city. Serviced residences like the Crown Regency are also rising in popularity, or one can find townhouses or apartments for rent, all for negotiable rates that are very good for those coming into Davao with dollars.

First Pacific Inn Davao, Quirino Ave., ☎+63-82-305-6183 (fax: +63-82-300-9173), [21]. First Pacific Inn is a freshly, newly built (Opened January 2010) 17 room business Inn, catering to both short and long-term visitors. Quirino Ave is very busy 24hrs a day heavy truck and motorcycle traffic as well as many emergency vehicles. If you want a full night’s sleep look elsewhere. Rooms at front are very noisy and are only ones with dbl beds. The staff is friendly and very helpful. Rooms are clean but spartanly furnished.

Gumamela Caverock Farm Resort, Purok 3 Tolosa, Barangay Matina Biao, Tugbok District, ☎082.2841165, 2717837, or mobile phones nos. +639394025585,+639177056418 (gumamelacaverockfarmresort@yahoo.com), [22]. On premises, there is a river/creek, natural short waterfalls, springs, World War II Japanese Imperial Army caves/foxholes (the land where the resort is situated is part of the Tolosa Family Estate which was also occupied by Japanese forces during WWII), rainforests/vegetation, paintings and Bagobo-inspired sculptures, world's tallest concrete hibiscus (gumamela) sculpture made by Rey Mudjahid "Kublai" Millan , man-made and mud-painted Poolside Caverock (artificial caves and rocks) , natural thermo (warm) spa- swimming pool , sports facilities (billiard, table tennis, darts) , restaurant and bar, secured environment, traditional- heritage cottages (modern-native design), hybrid hibiscus (gumamela) plants - centennial series, millennium series and celebrity series from the University of the Philippine Institute of Plant Breeding and other ornamental plants. The resort has 6 elegant traditional- heritage (modern - native concept) and 2 bamboo cottages with private verandas. The breeze in the farm is particularly refreshing. The bathrooms are well-appointed with varied walls and floor designs and a LED shower system with multi-directional nozzles at your body in varying angles. The cottages are crafted with different ceiling and bathroom designs made by local artisans in varying colors and with modern furniture and fixtures. The Pool View Cottages are in front of the spa- swimming pool with a magnificent and well-preserved jungle backdrop.

Humberto’s Hotel, J. Palma Gil cor. P. Gomez Sts., ☎(082) 2223831 to 34, [23]. Humberto’s Hotel was featured by PAL Mabuhay Magazine on its lifestyle section as a "Charming Botique Hotel". It was also chosen and awarded by the 2003 National Shopper's Choice in May 28, 2004 as no. 1. Small Hotel in Davao City.Best rates on official website start at PHP 2,200.

Ponce Suites, Road 4 (at corner of Road 3) in Dona Vicenta Village, Bajada (from JP Laurel Street at Victoria Plaza, turn at Chow King and take the first right, then your first left and go to the end), ☎082-227-9070, [29]. Wifi is available. They also have great food with a good rooftop open terrace you can enjoy your meal or coffee at, and an impressive art collection.

Sampaguita (the new one), Quirino Avenue (at My Mayon St), ☎+63 82-305-8680 (chaehwan@chol.com). Nice for the price. Basic single for P325, double 400, triple 500, family 650. Add about 200 for A/C. Add another 50 to 200 for hot water. Add another 100 to 300 for coffee table and sofa. Other phone +63 82 302-7645.650 p.

Sampaguita (the old one), Mt Mayon St (turn off Quirino right at the new Sampaguita and go a block up), ☎+63 82-227-2958. Clean, decent, budget.single with private lavatory p250. and a single with private bathroom and cable TV p300. Single with A/C bathroom and cable TV for P475, another 50 for hot water. Add 100 for a double and another 100 for a triple.

St. Camillus Dormitel, 3rd Floor, SPMC Cooperative Building, Southern Philippines Medical Center (aka Davao Medical Center) Compound, Bajada, ☎(082)3019997/ 09179049032/(0917)8230514, [31]. checkin: anytime; checkout: anytime. Best value accommodation in Davao City. Airconditioned rooms, quiet location, short walk to all modes of public transport, owners and staff are helpful and very friendly. The dormitel occupies the whole third flood of the building (you can ask permission to go up the rooftop for a breathe of fresh air). Each no-frills room have four double-decker beds, with common tables and a (very) small cabinet for your more important stuff. Toilets/shower-stalls are clean and well lighted. Separate facilities for men and women. The ground floor of the building is occupied by various establishments: laundry shop (18PHP/kg), food center, vendors and a popular Chinese fast food chain. The second floor is occupied by an internet cafe and spa/parlor. Tip: call for reservations well ahead of time as they opften fill-up pretty quickly with various traveller groups.180/day. (7.097599,125.619818)

Samal Bahay Kubo, Barangay Katagman, Purok 5, Peñaplata District, Island Garden City of Samal, ☎+63 912 806-6372, [33]. checkin: anytime; checkout: anytime. If you want real peace and quiet, go here. No videokes, guaranteed. You could set up a tent, if you like or get a room in a Bahay Kubo (hut). The owner's wife is a mean cook, specializing in Thai and Indian dishes. You could always arrange for local dishes, if that's what you like. There is no in-suite toilet, but the "outhouse" is very clean and has running water. The site is several minutes away on foot from two tourist spots: Moncado's Camp 23 and Balay ni Moncado (Moncado's Whitehouse). You can arrange for a pickup at the Peñaplata Warehouse Club bus stop then take City Island Express Bus from Davao City to Samal Island. Or, you can arrange a pickup from Davao City or elsewhere, all depends on how much adventure you'd like to experience. From the Kubo's balcony you have a wonderful view of the sea and Talikud Island. Security and entertainment is provided by the resort's animals: geese, goats, chickens and two dogs. There's a public beach 10 minutes away on foot.200 PHP/night. (7.076448,125.687242)